During the week of 23-27 March 2009, Newcastle University hosted a delegation of seven representatives of Hainan Province. The delegates were from universities, the Chinese Academy, and the provincial government, so that they collectively represented the academic breadth. The aim of the visit was to showcase Newcastle University in all its diversity, hear more about potential areas for collaboration with Hainan, and identify topics and funding opportunities for partner individuals or teams to take forward.

The CBA joined in this programme and helped the deligates understand more about the North East of English and the links between the region and China.